Opalite is man-made glass, not a natural stone. It is produced by melting glass with mineral additives to create that milky blue-white body and the warm amber glow you see when it is held up to the light. It is often sold as “opal”, “sea opal” or “Tiffany stone”, which it is not. We label it for what it is.

None of that makes it a poor choice. Opalite is attractive, consistent in colour and inexpensive, and the glow is genuinely lovely. It is simply glass, so expect no natural variation and treat it gently: it is softer than quartz, chips on a hard knock, and while a quick rinse is fine, it should not be soaked or cleaned with harsh chemicals.

Read our opal guide for how genuine opal differs, the real vs fake checks, and the water-safe crystals guide. Or browse natural crystals, crystal bracelets and crystal gifts.